San Diego, Calif. - The National Shooting Sports Foundation presented FMG Publications with its highest honor - the Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award - during the 2013 SHOT Show State of the Industry reception.

"We are proud and honored to present this award to one of our greatest supporters. One which has done more than any other to support the NSSF's First Shots program," said Steve Sanetti, NSSF president and CEO. "It is the highest honor we can give.

"The extremely successful First Shots program allows shooters of all ages, particularly women, to get their first factual introduction to firearms and their safe and proper usage. This is so important in today's world of instant global misinformation, and it's vital to help dispel fear and misconceptions about recreational shooters and the firearms we responsibly own and use. To date, FMG Publications has donated almost $150,000 to our First Shots program, and that, in turn, is made possible by the industry's participation in the Shooting Industry Masters competition, which FMG instituted, nurtured and has grown to be the premier industry shooting event."

"We are very proud to be part of this industry, and to support NSSF and First Shots," said Randy Molde, FMG Publications vice president of business development. "Considering how much Ken Sedlecky did to grow the shooting sports during his lifetime, it's an honor to receive this award on behalf of 10-years' worth of Shooting Industry Masters participants."

The Shooting Industry Masters combines handgun, rifle and shotgun events in a fun, competitive format open to industry representatives only. Money raised through the event supports First Shots.

"In 2012, we fired 100,000 rounds of handgun, rifle and shotgun ammunition and no one was hurt except their egos," said Russ Thurman, Shooting Industry Magazine publisher. "Now in its 11th year, the Masters brings all of us together for an industry family reunion. It's part of the heritage of our country."

"It's more critical than ever to make sure the introduction to recreational shooting is the best experience possible," Molde said. "First Shots training helps do that. The safe, fun, hands-on instruction First Shots events provide create an unlimited number of opportunities to bring new shooters into our businesses - and keep them coming back for more. We plan to support this worthwhile program for many years to come through the Shooting Industry Masters."